Counter-Culture Series Pt2: Walking The Narrow Path
Full Sermon Video At Bottom of The Page
February 25, 2024
As we journey deeper into our "Counter-Culture" series, today marked our second sermon, blending insights from both our Wednesday night deep dives and Sunday gatherings. Our quest? To not only understand but actively live out the radical, Christ-centered culture amidst a world that often seems to run counter to everything we are told in Scripture.
Choosing the Narrow Path
We’re circling back to Matthew 7:13-14, a cornerstone scripture for us, reminding us of the importance of the narrow gate. It's a path less trodden, challenging, yet it's where true life and fulfillment are found. Why? Because it's the path where we walk in step with Christ, embracing His teachings and leadership in “The Way”.
Understanding the "How"
Moving into Matthew 5:3-12, the Beatitudes lay out the "how" of our journey. It's not just about understanding the importance of the narrow path but actively engaging in the behaviors and attitudes that define a counter-cultural life. From being poor in spirit to mourning, these aren't just states of being; they're actions, movements towards something greater.
Mourning: A Reflection of Love
Last Sunday and the recent Wednesday night, we unpacked the powerful connection between being poor in spirit and mourning. True mourning for our sins and the state of the world brings us to Jesus' feet, finding hope and joy amidst grief. But this mourning isn't just for ourselves. It extends outward, reflecting our love for God and His creation. If we genuinely love God, we'll naturally care about what He cares about: people. And we will do what He has commanded us to do.
Love in Action
Saying "I'll pray for you" is vital, but our faith calls us to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Romans 5:8 teaches us about God's demonstrative love — a love that acted decisively for us when we were still sinners, inviting us into a relationship with Him. This unconditional act of love is our model for helping others, not based on their worthiness or our relationship with them, but because of our love for God and for them.
The Mark of True Christianity
Our faith is measured not by our spiritual fervor alone but by our love in action. John 3:17-19 challenges us to love not just in words but through our deeds. If we mourn with those who mourn and are moved by compassion to act on behalf of others, we're walking the true path of Christ.
Intentionality in Love
As we continue our counter-cultural journey, let's embrace "Intentionality" as our guiding principle. Every action, every decision, should reflect our love for God and for others. It's not about earning our place but about living out the kingdom values here and now, changing our world one act of love at a time.
The Meek Inherit the Earth
In embracing meekness, we find strength not in our power but in knowing who we are in Christ. Meekness isn't weakness; it's confidence in our identity and our mission to love as He loves, serve as He serves, live as He lives and knowing all things are working out for our good!
Wrapping Up
As we move forward, let's not just be hearers of the Word but doers. Let our counter-cultural journey be marked by intentional love, meekness, and a commitment to living out the Beatitudes in every aspect of our lives. Together, we can truly make a difference, living out the counter-culture that Christ has called us to.